SSP wins major food and beverage contract at London City Airport

21/02/2011

SSP has secured a multi-million pound deal to operate five cafés and restaurants at London City Airport, commencing on 1st April 2011. Two new cafés will begin trading by the summer, and three existing outlets will be refurbished and enhanced during a programme scheduled to be completed by August of this year.

Passengers will be able to choose between high quality bespoke bar and restaurant offers, designed to meet the needs of the discerning City Airport traveller and the tastes of the unique mix of travellers at the award-winning business class airport.

At the City Bar and Grill, an extensive wine list will feature some of the world’s finest wines such as Château Pétrus. A world-class selection of beers will be available including a range of premium European lagers to appeal to the broad spectrum of clientele, together with premium locally brewed beers from renowned micro-brewery ‘Meantime’. Service innovation and technology are at the core of the new offer and passengers will be able to order food and pre-book dining prior to departure, via staff equipped with hand-held devices across the terminal.

The upmarket “rhubarb” Food Design already has an enviable reputation at leading airports, glittering events and high-profile London venues including Bond and Brook at Fenwick of Bond Street and Gallery Mess at Saatchi Gallery. With its state-of-the-art design, sophisticated lighting and comfortable seating it will offer a welcoming atmosphere for passengers at all times of the day. Most importantly, superb food with award-winning provenance will be delivered to the table in under ten minutes.

Bringing an authentic café experience to the terminal, Illy Espressamente Café will offer premium artisan coffees. It will also serve Italian-inspired bakery products, together with a range of savouries.

The new facilities will also include two Panopolis bakeries, one located landside, one airside. With an impressive range of premium quality breads and inspired, creative fillings, Panopolis will appeal to the urbane City traveller. This new development marks the brand’s debut at a UK airport.

Tony Keating, CEO of SSP UK said the successful proposals were based on SSP’s extensive knowledge of the airport consumer, founded in the company’s detailed programme of consumer research as well as specific understanding of the traveller at City Airport. ‘We are providing world-class innovation in food quality, supported by a high quality service proposition. We are delighted to be joining forces with City Airport at this exciting time in its development.’

Commenting on the new venture Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport said: ‘We warmly welcome SSP into the London City Airport family. SSP’s service and dining offerings will complement and further enhance our passenger experience.’

The new development is part of a significant recent investment in the terminal which will result in further improvements in speedy security clearance, and an improved travel experience.

All staff currently employed at the existing bars and restaurants will be retained by SSP.

Editors note

London City Airport (LCY) is the only airport situated in London itself, just two miles from the site of the 2012 Olympic Games, three miles from Canary Wharf, seven miles from the City and 10 miles from London’s West End – linked to all via the LCY Docklands Light Railway station. Welcoming over 3 million passengers in 2011, LCY is not only uniquely convenient, but offers a uniquely rapid transit, through check-in and security to the departure lounge and gate. 12 airlines fly out of LCY, serving over 40 destinations including Dublin, Madrid and Geneva – the latest additions for 2012 are Aberdeen, Venice, Basel, Mahon, Angers and Quimper. LCY is on Twitter (@londoncityairport) and further information about flights, destinations and airport services can be found at www.londoncityairport.com.